“And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.”
Context:In this verse, we find ourselves in the midst of the account of the golden calf incident, one of the pivotal moments in the history of the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. Moses had been on Mount Sinai for forty days and forty nights, receiving the Ten Commandments and various instructions from God.
During Moses’ absence, the Israelites grew restless and impatient. They approached Aaron, Moses’ brother and the acting leader in his absence, and demanded that he make gods to go before them since they did not know what had become of Moses. Unfortunately, Aaron yielded to their pressure and fashioned a golden calf from their jewelry. The people began to worship the idol, attributing their deliverance from Egypt to it, rather than the one true God who had brought them out of slavery.
God’s Response:Upon seeing this grievous sin of idolatry and rebellion, the LORD was deeply displeased with His people and threatened to bring judgment upon them. In the verses preceding Exodus 32:14, God revealed His anger to Moses and expressed His intention to consume the Israelites and make a great nation from Moses instead (Exodus 32:10). Despite the seriousness of their sin, we find a remarkable and vital aspect of God’s character in verse 14.
God’s Repentance:In the KJV, the verse states that “the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.” The term “repented” here can be somewhat puzzling, as we often associate repentance with human beings turning away from sin. However, in this context, it refers to a change in God’s actions rather than a change in His character. It shows that God’s response is not impulsive but rather purposeful, measured, and responsive to the actions of His people.
God’s response was not to turn a blind eye to the sin of the Israelites; instead, He relented from carrying out the immediate judgment He had threatened. This change in His dealings with the Israelites came about because of Moses’ intercession on their behalf.
Moses’ Intercession:Moses, upon seeing the sinful behavior of his people, immediately interceded for them before God. His prayerful intervention is an excellent example of the power of intercessory prayer. Moses reminded God of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he pleaded with God to remember His promises and turn away from His anger (Exodus 32:11-13).
The Lord, in His mercy, listened to Moses’ intercession and chose not to carry out the punishment immediately. God’s response does not diminish the seriousness of the people’s sin, but it does show His willingness to respond to genuine repentance and the power of a righteous intercessor.
Key Takeaways:
- God is merciful and compassionate. He is willing to respond to genuine repentance and the prayers of a righteous intercessor.
- Sin has serious consequences, and God’s judgment is just. The incident of the golden calf reminds us of the importance of remaining faithful to God and not turning to idolatry or other forms of rebellion.
- Intercessory prayer is powerful. Moses’ prayerful intervention had a significant impact on God’s response to the situation. It highlights the importance of praying for others and standing in the gap on behalf of those who need God’s mercy and forgiveness.
In conclusion, Exodus 32:14 provides us with valuable insights into God’s character, the significance of intercessory prayer, and the consequences of sin. It serves as a reminder of God’s mercy and His desire for a relationship with His people, even when they fall short and sin against Him.
